Tuesday at the UAE Pavilion at COP29 has been all about vital life sources of water and food, and their relationship with the agricultural cycle. Everything began with a look at Water Resiliency The opening remarks of Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, described how water “sustains people and our shared planet, human dignity, and connects communities around the world”, before welcoming Professor Daouda Ngom, Minister of the Environment and Ecological Transition in Senegal as part of On the Road to the UN 2026 Water Conference + Accelerating Water and Climate Action. In 2026, the UAE and Senegal will co-host the next UN Water Conference which was, Daouda said, “an opportunity to amplify the challenges we’re facing with water as well as climate change. Climate and water are interlinked – COP29 gives us the opportunity to further amplify this. Both the climate crisis and water crisis will have a huge impact on our communities.” He expressed the 2026 UN Water Conference’s “great ambition to engage the international community to find the appropriate solution to combat water scarcity and increase our response to climate change in the water sector. Senegal is ready to collaborate with the UAE to transform this shared vision into reality.” Planning for the event was set out by Shaima Gargash, Director of Energy and Sustainability Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A panel discussion followed with Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, Kamala Huseynli-Abishova, COP29 Presidency Action Agenda Team, Baku Dialogue on Water for Climate Action focal point, Azerbaijan, Raoni Rajão, Director of the Deforestation and Burning Control Policy Department, Brazil’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Dr Issa Faye, Director General for Global Practice and Partnerships, Islamic Development Bank. The expert group discussed the importance of water as a cross-sectoral issue and the potential for it to be more deeply integrated into the COP process, even with inclusion as a specific within the NDCs. The Global Commission on the Economics of Water’s Executive Director, Henk Ovink, moderated the next session to emphasise water in intergovernmental policy and investment decisions. Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency, Dr Marina Romanello, Institute for Global Health, University College London, Jerker Tamelander, Director of Science and Policy, the Convention on Wetlands, and Thule Lenneiye, Chief of Staff of the President of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, were joined by Ecuador’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs and 73rd President of the General Assembly, María Fernanda Espinosa – now the Executive Director of Global Women Leaders for Change and Inclusion. She illustrated how “water scarcity feeds climate vulnerability, threatens ecosystems, health, peace and conflict, it is critical to both long-term and short-term climate goals”. Elizabeth Wathuti, Founder, Green Generation Initiative, concluded the session. “Water is not merely a resource – it is a global common good vital to our survival and the health of our planet. The role of frontline communities and marginalised communities is vital. Indigenous communities are also the custodians of natural resources. The 2026 UN Water Conference should define a new water agenda. This is a new starting point that we can leverage.” For the UAE Universities Climate Network: Accelerating Innovations to Tackle Global Water Scarcity, high-level academic excellence gave insight into the importance of nurturing, developing and safeguarding effective water systems throughout world with integration and financing. The panel included: Dr Samuel Mao Co-chair, UAE Universities Climate Network Director, ASPIRE Research Institute for Sustainability, Khalifa University; Dr Meis Moukayed Professor of Health and Life Sciences, American University, Dubai; Dr Shadi Hasan Director, Center for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology Associate; Dr Charilaos Mertzanis, Professor of Finance, Abu Dhabi University; and Alice Ho Chief Youth Officer, Global Alliance of Universities on Climate. Bio-saline agriculture was the focus of Creating Sustainable Impact in Arid and Saline Environments in Central Asia: The Power of Partnerships for SDG17. Dr. Tarifa A. Al Zaabi, Director General of the International Center for Bio-saline Agriculture (ICBA), which is celebrating its 20th anniversary and operates in 40 countries around the world, explained how “water scarcity and water salinity are key challenges – a collaborative approach to science-making in this area is key. The need for interventions will continue to increase in areas such as crops and technologies.” Academics and policy experts from NYU Abu Dhabi came together to consider What is Next for The UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience? as part of the approach to COP30 in Belem next year. The closing session was Water and Climate Change: Integrating Desalination, Reuse, Renewable Energy, and Stewardship for Sustainable Water Solutions saw industry leaders, policymakers, and environmental experts discuss how desalination, water reuse, and renewables can meet responsible water stewardship global goals. Introducing Cultivating Change: How University Collaboration Can Support Women’s Empowerment in Agricultural Research, Sheikha Dr. Moza bint Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Adviser in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted how “the keyword at COP28 last year was partnership, this year it is continuity – to deliver and add value.” She explained how the UAE government has intentionally designated science and innovation as foreign policy priorities. Academics including Prof. Ahmed Ali Al Raeesi, Acting Vice Chancellor, United Arab Emirates University, Dr Mohamed Aman of Haramaya University, Dr Muhammad Tahir of the United Arab Emirates University, and Dr Awa Diattara, Assistant Professor at Gaston Berger University, explored innovation, collaboration, and impactful research for climate-smart solutions. A National Statement was delivered at the end of the day by Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the UAE, and reiterated that the UAE is committed to continue combating climate change and advancing global climate action. Source : WAM